1. Unlike bananas, plantains are too bitter to be eaten raw. Plantains can be cooked while still green or when ripe, but either way, they must be peeled.

2a. The best way to peel a plantain is with a sharp-tip knife, such as a paring knife. Cut off both ends, then run the sharp tip down one of the spines, or seams.

2b. Use your fingers to peel off the skin and the knife to shave off any remnants left on the white flesh.

3. Wearing rubber gloves when peeling several plantains is a good idea because a substance in them will turn your hands black. One of the most popular ways to serve plantains is fried like a potato chip. Use a mandoline or knife to cut green plantains.

4. Cut the plantains into 1/8-inch-thick slices. Heat canola oil or lard in a deep, heavy pan. Carefully drop chips into hot oil. Avoid cooking too many chips at once. Allow to cook about 5 minutes or until the oil becomes quiet and stops bubbling. Remove with a slotted spoon.

5. Serve immediately, or allow to cool and store in plastic bags to serve later. Season with salt. For a spicier chip, lightly dust chips with chile powder or cumin.

6. Maduros, another popular Cuban dish, are made with brown-skinned, or ripe, plantains. Allow green plantains to ripen for several days on a kitchen counter. When ripe, peel and cut on the diagonal into 2-inch pieces.

8. Another popular way to serve plantains is by making tostones, or twice-fried plantains. Cut them into 1 1/2-inch slices. Heat canola oil to medium-high in a deep, heavy pan. Add slices and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the slices turn golden. Remove from oil. While still warm, gently press a saucer on top of the slices until they are thin and flat.

9. Allow the slices to cool, then heat the same oil on high. Gently drop in slices and cook until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon. Serve plain or with a lime, garlic and oil dipping sauce.

10. You can also turn twice-fried plantains into minibowls to serve salsas, bean salads or other Cuban dishes. Follow the recipe for tostones, but instead of flattening with a plate, use a shot glass to form a small bowl.